With a degree in Production Polymer Engineering from the University of Minho, Mario Jorge Machado brings extensive industrial experience and a strong commitment to innovation, competitiveness and sustainable transformation.

Upon his re-election, Mario Jorge Machado said: “My priority for this new mandate is clear: to strengthen the competitiveness of our industry, ensure that the same rules apply to all products sold in Europe, and support our companies through the green and digital transition. Europe must decarbonise its industry, not deindustrialise it.”

Three priorities for the new mandate

1. Competitiveness as the foundation

Mario Jorge Machado has made clear that competitiveness must be the starting point for any successful industrial policy. In his recent Brussels address, he stressed that without competitiveness there can be no investment, no innovation, no sustainability and no strategic autonomy. He will therefore continue to push for a stronger business environment for textile companies, with support for investment in automation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, skills and innovation, especially for SMEs.

2. A genuine level playing field

A second key priority is to ensure that the same rules apply to everything sold in Europe, not only to what is made in Europe. Mario Jorge Machado has repeatedly called for stronger market surveillance, better border enforcement and more effective control of imports sold through digital platforms, so that European companies are not put at a disadvantage against products that bypass EU safety, environmental and consumer rules. EURATEX will continue to advocate for equal enforcement, fair competition and a market where compliance is rewarded.

3. Supporting industry through the transition

Mario Jorge Machado also wants to ensure that the green and digital transition strengthens European industry rather than weakening it. He has underlined that sustainability must become a source of competitiveness, not a burden, and that companies need realistic rules, affordable energy, workable implementation and targeted support to adapt successfully. He has also stressed the importance of stimulating demand for sustainable European-made textiles, including through public procurement and transparency tools that are feasible for companies.

Presidency Team

The General Assembly also confirmed the composition of the EURATEX Presidency Team, which will support the President in steering the organisation’s strategic direction:

Mr. Franz Peter Falke, T+M, Germany

Ms. Barbara Cimmino, Confindustria Moda, Italy

Mr. Ismail Kolunsag, IHKIB, Türkiye

Mr. Grégory Marchand, UIT, France